Nutrition

5 Foods to Improve Your Digestion

Unfortunately, many people suffer from digestive problems like bloating, cramping, gas, abdominal pain, diarrhea and constipation for numerous reasons. Even a healthy person can experience digestive problems due to things such as a lack of fiber or probiotic-rich foods in their diet.

The human diet should be well balanced to provide nutrients required for bodily function and the minerals and vitamins required for maintaining structure and regulation necessary for good health and reproductive capability. People eat too much processed food and sugar, and not enough fiber, fruits, and vegetables. Poor eating habits, such as eating too quickly, or skipping meals, may also be part of the problem.


Here are 5 food to help you prevent those problems and help maintain a balanced diet:

1. Yogurt

Yoghurt is made from milk that has been fermented, typically by lactic acid bacteria. Yoghurt contains probiotics, which can aid digestion by promoting healthy bacteria in your digestive tract.


2. Apples

Apples are a rich source of pectin, a soluble fiber. The pectin found in apples helps increase stool bulk and movement through your digestive tract. It may also decrease inflammation in your colon.


3. Chia Seeds

Chia seeds are an excellent source of fibre, which causes them to form a gelatin-like substance in your stomach, once consumed. The fiber content of chia seeds can assist digestion by promoting the growth of probiotics in your gut and keeping you regular.


4. Whole Grains

Grains are the seeds of grasslike plants called cereals. Due to their high fiber content, whole grains can support healthy digestion by adding bulk to your stool, reducing constipation and feeding your healthy gut bacteria.


5. Ginger

Ginger is a traditional ingredient in Eastern medicine that helps improve digestion and prevent nausea. Many pregnant women use it to treat morning sickness. Ginger appears to expedite food movement through your stomach, easing certain side effects associated with slow digestion.


Digestive issues can be challenging, but taking the proper foods can be helpful easing painful symptoms. FIber-rich foods, such as whole grains, dark green vegetables and chia seeds, also play a role in digestion by helping food move through your system more easily or quickly.

If you want to find relief for your digestive symptoms, consider adding some of these 5 foods into your diet.

Wondering how much to add? Check out our Portion Sizes Guide blog to help you determine what's the correct amount!

Book a call with our Wellness Coordinator to learn more